Halifax Media Group football observers Gabe Whisnant and Richard Walker provide a quick point-counterpoint on the first round of the NFL draft tonight:

Who should the Panthers should draft at No. 14?

Gabe Whisnant -- The middle of the first round sounds like a perfect spot to fill a void at DT. Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson (6-4, 295) would give Carolina an immediate starter up front. Other options: Replenish the defensive backfield with Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes (6-1, 210) or Texas S Kenny Vaccaro (6-0, 214).

Richard Walker -- It seems like there’s been more momentum for wide receiver in recent weeks, but the draft experts probably have it right that one of the defensive tackle prospects – Florida’s Sharrif Floyd, Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson and Utah’s Star Lotulelei among them – is the likely pick.

With the top pick, who will the Chiefs select?

Gabe Whisnant -- Right tackle Luke Joeckel (6-6, 306) seems to be the consensus choice. The Chiefs have a new regime under Andy Reid, who likes to throw it, so protecting the blindside of newly signed QB Alex Smith will be a priority.

Richard Walker -- It’s such a foregone conclusion that Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel will be the Chiefs’ pick, you have to look hard to find mock drafts with another player listed. But the pick does make sense for a team that will be adjusting to new coach Andy Reid’s passing game.

Who’s your sleeper pick to go early?

Gabe Whisnant -- I like Elon WR Aaron Mellette as a small-school player that could have an impact early and develop as his career progresses. Given a chance, the 6-2, 217 Sanford native could thrive in a pass-happy offense.

Richard Walker -- When healthy, North Carolina running back-return ace Gio Bernard is as electrifying as any player in this draft. His history of knee injuries probably scares some teams, but his youth and explosiveness make him a high risk/high reward pick that might give some team the final piece to a championship puzzle.

What’s the strength of the draft?

Gabe Whisnant -- The big guys. Teams looking for stability up front, should be able to find solid starters on either side of the ball – especially in the early rounds. Next year’s draft will contain more star power with the likes of Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina, DE) and Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M, QB).

Richard Walker -- Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman calls offensive lineman “big hog mollies” with good reason. There’s plenty of them considered top talents in this draft, with as many as seven slated to go in the first round, including talented North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper.